Detroit Lions Free Agency: Just Say No 4

Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) carries the ball past Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 44-26. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) carries the ball past Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 44-26. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Daryl Smith

Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith (51) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith (51) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

I mentioned in part two of this series that replacing a 31-year-old declining linebacker with a 30-year-old declining linebacker is not the way to go. I’ll say it again. But this time replace the 30 with a 33. Actually 34 because Daryl’s birthday is the day before free agency opens up.

There’s no doubt that when you look at Smith’s stat line, it looks pretty good. 121 tackles and three sacks. Not bad at all. Couple that with the Lions need of a linebacker and it all looks good right? Look I can’t even tell you that Smith being in Detroit wouldn’t add up to success. But what I can tell you is that said success would be extremely short-lived due to Smith’s age.

It just seems to me that grabbing a young Danny Trevathan or a rookie to replace Tulloch is the much smarter way to go. Not the band-aid way.

Next: Brandon Carr